Gun control advocates have called for tighter restrictions on firearms purchases in the wake of the February mass shooting that claimed 17 lives, but Trump and the Republican-controlled House and Senate did not include such measures in a school-safety bill that passed in March.

“All of us here today are deeply committed to school safety,” Trump told the NRA this afternoon. “Our entire nation was filled with shock and grief by the monstrous attack on a high school in Parkland, Florida. We mourn for the victims and their families.”

The president touted recent post-Parkland legislation that approves more money for training, metal detectors and other school safety measures.

“We agreed that it’s not enough to simply make us feel like we’re making a difference. We must ensure that we’re actually making a difference and my administration has approved an aggressive strategy on community safety. We’re working to improve early warning systems,” Trump said.

Parkland gunman Nikolas Cruz had numerous interactions with law enforcement before the shooting.

“There has never been a case where more red flags have been shown,” Trump said.

“Law-abiding gun owners want to keep firearms out of the hands of those who pose a danger to themselves and to others. We all want that. We all want that,” the president said, drawing applause.

“All of us agree that we must harden certain schools. At the same time, the police have to be able to get into those schools if there’s a problem. We want armed guards…We strongly believe in allowing highly trained teachers to carry concealed weapons if they’re highly trained,” Trump said.

The call for allowing teachers to be armed drew loud applause.
Added Trump: “There’s no sign more inviting to a mass killer than a sign that declares: ‘This school is a Gun-Free Zone.’ Come in and take us.”